A taxpayer must obtain Form 1098-C when donating a vehicle valued over what amount?

A taxpayer must obtain Form 1098-C when donating a vehicle valued over $500. This requirement arises under IRS regulations, which stipulate that donors of vehicles must receive this form in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction on their tax return. The form provides important information about the vehicle, including details about the donation process and the amount that the charity is able to sell the vehicle for, if applicable.

The threshold of $500 serves to ensure that taxpayers only have to meet a certain minimum value for vehicles to warrant the extra documentation, reflecting the IRS's effort to maintain transparency and accuracy in tax reporting. By obtaining Form 1098-C, taxpayers are equipped with the necessary documentation to support their deduction, thereby facilitating compliance with tax laws.